Having visited Africa numerous times, I’ve come to realize why it’s such a wonderful destination for a safari. From wild national parks where the Big Five are easily spotted to game reserves with roaming predators on the hunt for their prey, it’s a truly spectacular experience that everyone should witness at least once in their lifetime.

Now, I’m well aware that Africa is a vast continent, with 54 countries, so deciding on a particular safari destination can be hard when there’s endless variety. One part of you says you should take a canoe safari through the Okavango Delta, while at the same time, visiting Tanzania to see the tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara National Park has always been on your bucket list. It’s not an easy decision, though it’s a great problem to have.

To help you figure out which place is best for your trip, I’ve written this list of the best safari destinations in Africa based on my own experience.

Tanzania

Starting strong, Tanzania is easily one of my favorite choices for a safari in Africa. In terms of the country’s diversity in terms of wildlife, it’s hard to fault it. One day, you’re on a game drive on the hunt for buffalo through the world’s largest unbroken caldera, Ngorongoro Crater, which is located on the Northern Circuit. Then, the next, you’re on foot on a walking safari in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park. That’s the thing about Tanzania, there are so many options.

Obviously, everyone wants to visit Tanzania and see the Serengeti. Not following this path would be similar to going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. I also did the same on my first trip, and what a fantastic experience it was to witness the Great Migration and observe the wildebeest making their way through the grasslands. However, if this is high on your list, consider planning your visit between June and October, as these are the months when it typically occurs.

Kenya

Next door to Tanzania, we have Kenya, another hugely popular location for taking safaris in Africa. The highlight for many in Kenya is the Maasai Mara National Reserve, located in the southwest of the country. This is arguably the most famous park in Kenya, and for good reasons. It’s possible to see the Great Migration here, as well as the Big Five, which is why many choose it, because you’re able to get more done in one visit rather than travel around to multiple parks. On a good day, you’ll easily come across elephants, rhinos, and cheetahs, especially if you have the right guide who knows all the good spots.

Another place I recommend if you want to see elephants is Amboseli National Park, as it’s known for housing a considerable population of them. Just picture yourself driving along in a jeep, and all of a sudden you come across a family of these friendly giants, while Mount Kilimanjaro stands firm in the background. This is what awaits you in Amboseli National Park!

Botswana

Botswana has been gaining a lot of publicity in recent years for its canoe safaris through the Okavango Delta. Here, a safari means getting on a boat and gliding through the delta, surrounded by hippos and crocodiles. It’s where the Okavango River meets the Kalahari Desert, forming a huge wetland where plenty of wildlife is waiting to be discovered, like elephants, cheetahs, hyenas, and so much more.

Many people visit Botswana, travel to the Okavango Delta, and then leave, but that would be a massive mistake, as there’s so much more wildlife to see. You’ve got the elephants in Chobe National Park, the giraffes and baobab trees in Nxai Pans National Park, and the sprightly springbok in Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park.

South Africa

Of course, I could never write a list of safari spots in Africa and not mention South Africa. It’s a pure paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, with the likes of Kruger National Park providing brilliant Big Five sighting opportunities, while Addo Elephant National Park has it all in its name, with a population of around 600 elephants.

North of Durban, you’ll find Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, renowned for its rhino conservation efforts. This is the park that saved the white rhinoceros from extinction through dedicated protection programs. Birdwatchers are also drawn here, with around 400 species recorded across the park.

Rwanda

The landlocked east-central African nation of Rwanda may not be as popular as some of the other places on this list, but it’s also a haven for wildlife encounters if you know where to go. Akagera National Park is listed as the continent’s largest protected wetland, inhabited by a diverse array of interesting species, including eastern black rhinos, lions, and southern white rhinos, as well as approximately 500 bird species. There are many safari types available here, including classic game drives that take you up close to your favorite animals, as well as boat trips on Lake Ihema, which has the biggest population of hippos in East Africa.

After spending some time in Akagera National Park, I encourage you to visit the chimpanzees at Nyungwe Forest National Park. There are many trekking safaris you can do here that allow you to observe these creatures nearby.

Namibia

Over in southwestern Africa, Namibia doesn’t have the name recognition for its wildlife as the likes of Tanzania and Kenya, but that’s what makes it so special. Being one of the least populated countries in the entire world, everywhere you go feels like you have the entire place to yourself, including Etosha National Park, a prime place for viewing leopards, rhinos, and the rest of the Big Five.

One thing I like about safaris in Namibia is that you can opt for a self-drive safari rather than hiring a guide if you’re confident enough. You’ll need to rent a big 4×4 and have all the necessary paperwork to do so. It can be quite an effort, especially if this is going to be you’re vacation and you want to relax. However, there’s nothing quite like cruising along the roads and all of a sudden encountering a rhino at the side of the road. Many who choose this option tend to camp at sites in and around the parks, which provide affordable accommodation, but make sure you plan ahead before just showing up.

Uganda

Uganda is a wonderful country in East Africa that has long been sought after for its animal encounters. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, located in the southwest of the country, attracts many gorilla trekkers throughout the year, as the park is home to an estimated 480 mountain gorillas, which is roughly half of the total population on the planet. These gorilla trekking safaris are quite expensive, but they’re cheaper than in Rwanda, and the money goes towards the conservation efforts for the gorillas.

Not only is Uganda regarded for its gorilla trekking, but there are plenty of other areas where safaris are popular around the country. Queen Elizabeth National Park stands out for its tree-climbing lions, which are pretty rare as they can only really be seen in Tanzania besides here. It’s believed that they hide in the trees, as it gives them protection from the sun, as well as insect bites. This particular population can be found in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha, which tends to get fewer tourists than other areas of the park. However, you’ll need to travel there by jeep with a guide, as it’s around a 2-hour drive from the main entrance to the park.

Which Safari Destination in Africa Will You Travel To?

Africa is a truly phenomenal continent that everyone should visit. But when coming to Africa, it’s less about hopping between historical attractions and landmarks like in Europe, it’s for jumping in the back of a jeep and heading out on daily game drives around rugged parks where the lions roar.

A safari is one big adventure that can be as comfortable or as intrepid as you want. There are basic campsites, luxury camping resorts, and everything in between. Many people turn down the possibility of going on a safari because of the costs associated with it, but if you play your cards right, it can be a lot more affordable than you think.

Botswana is often seen as the most expensive country to safari, with Tanzania and Kenya in a close tie in second place. If you’re trying to keep your costs down, look at certain parks in South Africa and Namibia, where you’ll be able to combine a mix of self-driving and guided game drives, as it often works out cheaper.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of Africa’s safari destinations, as there are many alternatives that I didn’t have the chance to discuss. Countries like Malawi are quite off the beaten path and provide great bang for your buck, and Uganda is also another hidden gem.